Most people can agree that one of the greatest pleasures in life is exploring through the form of travel.  Visiting new countries and immersing yourself in different cultures is nothing short of exhilarating—especially when you get to do it with people you love. 

That’s not to say that solo travel can’t be great either. It’s all about how you plan your trip and of course where you plan to go. Perhaps most importantly it’s all about knowing the ins and outs and which mistakes you should avoid. Whether you’re over the age of 80, or you’re a young college student, here are some important travel mistakes that you should know about.

Over packing

It’s easy to assume that over packing is a good idea, since you never know what you might need when you’re traveling. However, over packing cannot only be a literal pain in the neck, but it can also cost you excess baggage fees. Instead, pack only what you need, and remember, you can always buy what you need at your destination. 

One of the best tips for packing lately is packing versatile clothing. The more versatile your outfits are, the more you can mix and match them with each other and ultimately keep more room in your suitcase. Remember, you’ll probably want to bring a few things back home with you, so leaving a little extra room in your suitcase is never a bad thing.

Not Reserving in Advance

Reserving at the last minute can be a very bad idea. Not only do you risk availability being a problem, but you also risk prices being much higher. Reserving ahead of time gives you access to lower prices and also a considerable amount more options when it comes to dates and times. 

When you reserve ahead of time, whether it’s your plane ticket, your hotel, or passes to tours or shows, you’re giving yourself peace of mind knowing that everything is planned out.

Ignoring Local Customs

Ignoring the local culture and customs of where you are can be a huge misstep. Not only can it lead to an uncomfortable or even embarrassing situation, but you could actually offend the locals. 

This doesn’t just affect you, but also other travelers who come after you. You don’t want to give your culture a bad name, so try to educate yourself on what the local customs are and respect them. From tipping to the way you dress, respect the norms of where you are and you can save yourself a whole lot of trouble.

Planning Too Much

While planning activities for your vacation is undoubtedly important, it’s just as important to relax! Don’t overbook yourself to the point that you have no time to kick back and enjoy yourself! The last thing you want is to come home from your vacation and realize that you need another vacation from your vacation!